2024 (74) Citroën C5 Aircross 1.6 Plug-in Hybrid Max 5dr e-EAT8

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

By 2022, the Stellantis Group conglomerate was busy electrifying all its mid-sized SUVs and by then, the Citroen C5 Aircross had had that tech for two years. In 2022 though, the C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid model became available with somewhat smarter packaging. As before, it was a front-driven package and like its group stablemates, it could be recharged from a home wallbox in under 2 hours. Fully replenished, it offered a decent full-electric driving range - EAER-certified at 38 miles. Like all first generation C5 Aircross variants, this one majors on comfort, courtesy of the brand's 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushion' set-up. Let's take a look at this 2022-2025-era model as a used buy.

History

The C5 Aircross, launched in 2018, sold steadily for Citroen in the mid-sized 5-seat part of the SUV sector but needed a few more headlines. The introduction of this Plug-in Hybrid variant in 2020 provided a few of those, this variant incorporating a cutting-edge electrified powertrain. Citroen tried to build this into the car without compromising its other comfort-orientated attributes and, as usual with the brand, there was a strong emphasis on value and innovative design. After 2020 and this PHEV derivative's original launch though, lots of other Plug-in C-segment SUV crossover models arrived in the segment, hence the need in 2022 for this updated version with its smarter looks and classier cabin. As with the original version, this won't be the first car you'll have thought of if you happen to be looking for a mid-sized plug-in SUV from the 2022-2024 era, but it might well be worth including on your wish list. The updated version of this C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid sold until the second generation model arrived in 2025.

What You Get

There's very little to visually give away the fact that this variant is a hybrid, apart from 'Hybrid' badging on the front wings and the tailgate. This revised post-2022-era model borrowed some of the styling cues of the brand's executive C5 X as part of a refreshed exterior design, with a more vertical and modern front end that brought sleeker aerodynamics. The front grille was restyled and there was a revised version of the iconic Citroen logo, where here became detached from the daytime running lights, with chevrons that appeared in black lacquer in a chrome setting, this standing out more overtly against the central grille. Around the car, extra glossy or anodised detailing was added as part of this update - in colours such as Glossy Black and Dark Chrome, all of it intended to demonstrate the model's more up-market positioning. Inside, front seat occupants get the brand's unique 'Advanced Comfort' seat design, which features a core of high-density foam and an additional 15mm top layer of textured foam to ensure maximum comfort and support for the driver and passengers. There's a 12.3-inch digital driver's display and (for this updated model) a revised 10-inch high-definition touchscreen that was positioned higher up on the dashboard to reduce stress by ensuring the driver kept their eyes on the road. Nice touches include an active air quality system that uses an air-purifying carbon filter. As with the pre-facelift model, this Gallic SUV's lengthy wheelbase translates into a cabin that feels significantly larger than that of most family SUVs in this class. In the rear, the car is one of the few in its segment to feature three individual, same-width seats that slide, recline and fold flat. Not only does this mean that everyone on-board enjoys an exceptional level of comfort no matter where they sit, but it also creates the numerous possibilities for configuring the interior space. Few PHEV competitors can match the size of this C5 Aircross model's luggage space area, the extent of which depends on the position of the sliding second row bench. The 460-litre capacity is 120-litres down on what you get in an ordinary C5 Aircross though, thanks to battery placement beneath the cargo area base.

What to Look For

Most C5 Aircross buyers we came across seemed satisfied and there seem to be no major issues with the hybrid system. We've come across some common C5 Aircross issues though. A number of owners have reported problems with the car idling unstably. Usually, this is caused by an ECU software or electrical malfunction. If this happens to afflict the model you're looking at, it can usually be fairly simply corrected by plugging into a computer at a dealership and having the ECU reprogrammed. On a handful of models we've come across, the electrical supply to the water heater can shut off too soon when the vehicle is stopped. Fuel will then remain in the heater, producing possible leakage. Otherwise, it's just a case of looking at the usual things - scratched alloy wheels, evidence of child damage in the interior and so on. It's unlikely that this car will have been used seriously off road but have a quick look underneath just in case. And of course insist on a fully stamped up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2023 C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid excl. VAT) Expect to pay around £4-£11 for an oil filter, around £8-£20 for an air filter and in the £7-£23 bracket for a wiper blade. Front brake pads cost around £23-£47 for a set; rear pads are in the £18-£56 bracket. For front brake discs, think around £52-£79 for a pair; rear discs cost in the £28-£56 bracket. An alternator costs in the £348-£818 bracket. A starter motor is around £82-£254.

On the Road

As in its pre-facelift (2020-2021) guise, this electrified variant comes with a powerful and adaptable front-driven-only powertrain which sees a PureTech 180 Stop & Start petrol engine and an 80kW electric motor combining with a specially designed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox, to offer the equivalent of up to 225hp. At the wheel, you get three driving modes, with the one you'll be using most of the time being the 'Hybrid' setting that chooses the best mix of electric and petrol propulsion to suit the driving style whilst optimising efficiency. The alternative settings are either 'Sport' (where the car combines the power of the electric and petrol motors to offer livelier performance). And 'Electric' (where the car uses only the battery-powered electric motor, resulting in an ultra-quiet and smooth drive with zero exhaust emissions, offering a EAER range of up to 38 miles. Otherwise, things are very much as they would be in any other MK1-era C5 Aircross. This car's key differentiating point is the way it glides over bumps. That ability comes courtesy of its Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension system. This two-stage set-up features a couple of hydraulic stops on each side of the car, one for compression, the other for rebound. For major uneven ground impacts, the hydraulic stops work with the springs and shock absorbers to avoid jerky movements and unpleasant bouncing. Thicker softer seat padding also embellishes the impression of comfort. And double-laminated front windows and engine bay soundproofing play their part in reducing cabin noise.

Overall

We're always happy to see a product that tries to bring something a little different to its market segment, which is why we rather like this first generation C5 Aircross in its more standard forms. If you can find the significant price premium necessary to get this Plug-in Hybrid version, then there's also plenty to like here too, especially if you go for the 2022-onwards updated version we've looked at here. The electrified stats are very class-competitive amongst Crossovers of this type from the 2022-2024 era, but you could argue they'd be replicated by equivalent versions of the Peugeot 3008, the Vauxhall Grandland and the DS 7 from this time which feature the same engineering. The 'Progressive Hydraulic Cushion' set-up of this Citroen though, gives this particular SUV something a little different - you really can feel an improvement in the way it eases over tarmac undulations. It's worth a test drive then - as a possible starting point to your electrified future.